Bob,

Compare the new horn ring with the old very carefully. On my '88 GL I
had the same intermittent horn blowing problem.. Ordered a new horn
ring. When the new part came in - and it was the proper part number -
the horn ring was different and did not fit. Consequently I could not
get the steering wheel to seat properly. After a time of working with
it, it was discovered that there is a shoulder on the new rings that is
not on the old rings and that shoulder prevented the steering wheel from
seating.  The fix was to carefully move the metal on the new ring over
to replace the metal on the old ring. Just be aware  you could have this
problem so look at the old and new parts very closely.

Apparently, VW uses this ring on other cars as well but the change
doesn't work with the Vanagon.

John

On 12/27/2013 3:37 AM, Bob Anderson wrote:
> Thanks to all of you who have responded! I've ordered (2) new starter switches, (1 for a spare), a new horn contact ring, and also the headlight relay. My headlights have always been quite dim, so hopefully the relay will help with that as well. I'll let you all know how I make out, but for now it's daylight driving only.
> All my best,
> Bob A
> '86 GL Massachusetts
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: ROBERTANDERSON294@comcast.net
> To: Vanagon List
> Sent: Wed, 25 Dec 2013 10:13:38 -0000 (UTC)
> Subject: Loss of head lights, wipers and rear heater blower
>
> Hello All,
> I need some help! I'm trying to figure out why, all of a sudden while driving along, my headlights go out, my wipers stop (it was raining) and my rear heater blower stops. I pulled over and tried the high beams and they came on, as did the wipers and blower. As long as I hold onto the high beam turn signal switch, then everything works, when I let go everything shuts off. Also, sometimes the horn will toot when turning the steering wheel. Has anyone experienced this before?
> Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
> Bob A
> '86 GL Massachusetts
>